News

The Family Resource Centre (FRC) and The Department of Counselling Services (DCS) will celebrate the 23^rd anniversary of Honouring Women Month (HWM) in the Cayman Islands throughout March 2022.

FRC have observed HWM over the years to highlight women’s accomplishments, while addressing gender-specific issues that affect them. This year, FRC is focused on organising events around the theme #BreakTheBias to raise funds to support young mothers accessing clinical preventative and intervention services at the FRC.

“The Family Resource Centre plays an integral role within the Ministry of Health and Wellness and I am very proud to support their Honouring Women’s Month initiatives” said Minister for Health and Wellness, Hon. Sabrina Turner. “I encourage the community to take part in the scheduled events, which are designed to provoke thought and spark action for gender equality. By working collaboratively, we can all take action to #BreakTheBias in our homes, schools, workplaces and beyond.”

Included in the various Honouring Women’s Month events and celebrations organised by the FRC is the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on Tuesday, March 8. Through this year’s fundraising initiatives, FRC aims to continue supporting clients through the provision of monthly stipends, educational sponsorships, childcare sponsorship, transportation and gift vouchers.

“This years’ IWD theme emphasises the importance of promoting a gender equal world, one where we must strive to individually and collectively break free from biases in our community. It was with this objective in mind that Government committed last year to increase equity in representation on Government boards and committees – an objective that will guide our actions for the foreseeable future” said Premier, Hon. Wayne Panton.

Over the past two years, the Young Parent Services (YPS) at FRC serviced 20 young parents and 25 young children between the ages of 0 and 4. The expenditures attached to this programme have continuously increased, due to added stressors and limited opportunities.

“This particular population has many risk factors that are barriers for success,” said Clinical Supervisor of FRC, Charmaine Miller. “Amongst these are poverty, unemployment, lack of transportation, childcare, health care, and the inability to access professional development and education.”

Celebrations begin March 1 with the ‘Strike the #BreaktheBias Pose’ Challenge, where participants can take a photo crossing their arms to show solidarity and tag #frccayman to spread awareness. Interested persons can learn more about striking the IWD #BreakTheBias pose at www.internationalwomensday.com/theme.

Amongst the various events organised are:

• Launch of Honouring Women’s Month Mentoring Programme – Tuesday, March 8 from 9a.m.– 11.30a.m.
• #ChoosetoChallenge Book Launch – Wednesday, March 9
• Redefining Success Workshop – Wednesday, March 16 from 2p.m.– 4p.m
• STEM Girls Camp – Saturday, March 19 from 9a.m.– 3p.m.
• Women in STEM Radio Discussion Series – Tuesday, March 22 from 12p.m.– 1p.m
• Baby Supply Drives – Saturday, March 12 from 9a.m.– 3p.m (Foster’s Camana Bay) and Saturday, March 19 (Cost U Less)

The FRC have also organised Government-focused initiatives, including an International Women’s Day Breakfast available to civil servants (Tuesday, March 8 from 9a.m. onwards) and a Civil Service Virtual Roundtable: ‘Women in Leadership #BreakTheBias’ (Wednesday, March 23 from 1p.m. onwards), in partnership with the Wellness Committee of the Cayman Islands Government. FRC have also scheduled their annual Colour Me Purple 5K Fun Walk/Run for Sunday, March 27 at Safe Haven – the race begins at 6.30a.m. Register by emailing frc@gov.ky.

For this year’s up-to-date HWM calendar and for further information, email frc@gov.ky, call 949-0006, visit www.frc.gov.ky, and follow FRC on Instagram (@frccayman) and Facebook (@FamilyResourceCentre).

Stay tuned for continuing updates on Honouring Women’s Month with FRC.

(ENDS)

(GIS)